Technology expands toolbox for achieving success in math
By JASON ALEXANDER
Times Herald
February 18, 2009
Learning algebra is no easy task.
And since Michigan high school students must pass two algebra classes to graduate, the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency thought students might need some extra help.
The group is developing after school and summer programs that target eighth-graders who need math tutoring before entering high school.
The program — “Back on Track: Ready for Algebra!” — will be offered at several county schools online through the Michigan Virtual University.
“The more we can provide extra instruction, the more kids can be successful and the happier we are,” said Terry Parks, RESA director of math and science.
This year’s sophomores are the first to be required to pass the algebra classes.
RESA is training area teachers on use of the statewide program. The program begins later this month.
Parks said the hour-long course is offered three days a week.
“It fits right in with tutoring we are already providing for middle school students,” Parks said. “We are thinking we will have pretty good success with it.”
Students will first complete an online test to determine where they need help.
Then, with supervision from teachers, they can work with the program.
Students also can log on to the program from home or anywhere with Internet access.
Terry Harrington, assistant director of education technology at RESA, said area schools are using multiple online courses, including others with Michigan Virtual University.
Port Huron and Port Huron Northern High schools use a program called Education 2020, which also helps students who have struggled with subjects such as math. E2020 is available for geometry and aglebra students at the schools where teachers staff after-school labs. Like Back on Track, e2020 also can be accessed from home computers.
“A lot of students’ learning is technology-based, so some of them thrive in that type of environment” Harrington said.
Contact Jason Alexander at (810) 488-7741 or jalexande4@gannett.com.
